Netherlands Student Residence Permit: How Your University Applies and What You Do

TL;DR: A Netherlands student residence permit is applied for by your university, not by you. Your university must be a recognised sponsor. You pay the IND fee of €254, often through the university, show funds of €1,130.77 a month, and then collect an MVV entry visa if your nationality needs one. After arrival you collect your residence permit card and, if your university says so, take a TB test within 3 months.

Many students expect a Dutch student visa to work like a UK or Australian one, where you fill in the form yourself. In the Netherlands it works the other way round. Your university submits the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) on your behalf, and your job is to give it the right documents, on time.

This guide explains the process, what you pay and show, and the points where students lose time.

Holding a Dutch offer and not sure your funds and documents will be ready in time? Check your eligibility with Prosper.

Who applies: your university

The IND says only your educational institution can apply for your residence permit, and the institution must be a recognised sponsor. If you are unsure, ask your university's international office to confirm.

The application combines two things when your nationality requires it:

• The MVV, a provisional residence permit. It is a Type D entry visa sticker in your passport for stays of more than 90 days.
• The residence permit itself, a card you collect after you arrive.

Citizens of the EU and EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vatican City do not need an MVV. Most other students do.

Want a check on whether your documents will be ready for your university's visa deadline?

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What you pay and what you show

Many universities ask for the funds as a total for the year, either in your own account or deposited with them. Our guide to Netherlands student visa proof of funds explains how that works, and Netherlands tuition fees for non-EU students covers the course cost.

The process, step by step

The IND's study page sets out these steps:

1. Your university applies. It sends your application to the IND after you have accepted your offer and supplied your documents.
2. You pay for the application. Often through your university.
3. The IND decides. Your university tells you the result.
4. You make an appointment for the MVV sticker and travel. Only if your nationality needs an MVV.
5. You collect your residence permit after you arrive.

The full list of steps and conditions is on the IND page for studying at a university.

After you arrive

TB test. If your university indicated at application that you need a tuberculosis test, book it with the GGD, the regional public health service, within 3 months of receiving your residence permit. Bring the TB referral form (form 7604).

Study progress. Your permit depends on your progress. The IND says you must obtain at least 50% of the credits for each study year. If you fall short, your university checks whether there are good reasons. If there are none, it reports this to the IND, which then decides whether you still meet the conditions.

Where students lose time

• Funds arrive late. The university cannot apply until your funds evidence is in place. Plan the transfer early.
• Passport details do not match. The name and number on your application must match the passport you will travel on.
• The university's visa deadline is missed. Universities set their own deadline for visa documents before the start date. Check it as soon as you receive your offer.

If you have not yet applied, our guide to the Studielink application covers the first step.

Applying from Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka is not on the IND's list of MVV-exempt nationalities, so Sri Lankan passport holders follow the MVV route.
• Budget the €254 fee and the yearly funds total in euros and allow time for the bank transfer from Sri Lanka to reach the university.

FAQ

Do I apply for a Dutch student visa myself?

No. The IND says only your educational institution can apply for your residence permit. You supply the documents and often pay the fee through the university.

How much is the Netherlands student residence permit fee?

The IND fee for a first study residence permit is €254.

How much money do I need to show?

The IND amount for university and higher professional education is €1,130.77 a month. Many universities ask for a full year in advance.

Do I need a TB test?

Only if your university indicated it at application. If so, take it at the GGD within 3 months of receiving your residence permit.

Can I lose my permit if I fail courses?

Your university must report you to the IND if you obtain less than 50% of the credits in a study year without a good reason. The IND then decides whether you still meet the conditions.

PS: The Dutch route rewards students who are organised early, because your university can only apply once everything is in. Check your eligibility with Prosper and we will map your offer, funds and visa steps against your start date.

Check your eligibility ›